The project consists of the façades and roof-garden of the Call Center (CAT) and the main lobby. CAT. We were commissioned to design of the façades and the roof garden of a rectangular building of 60x40 m and three stories that contains a call center, on the outskirts of Morelia. These buildings are the first phase of a future corporate campus. The suburban context of isolated buildings scattered on a hilly site suggested that the building could merge with the landscape by using colours, shapes and materials that could suggest a large rock made of red minerals and a green platform. The metaphor had to be subtle but clear and very architectural, so we selected perforated Corten steel and a faceted skin to wrap the building. The inner façade is made of simple clear glass that is protected by the perforated second skin, which filters the light and protects from direct sunlight. The heat is retained on the exterior to keep the glass cool. It is meant to create thermal and light comfort on the office space. The skin is supported by articulated Corten steel structures connected with especially designed galvanized steel connectors.
Geometry and construction were simplified by creating a tessellated pattern in which only seven triangles combine to create variety. A complex expression is transformed into a simple design. During the day the façade looks solid, like a closed box, but by night it becomes translucent. However, from the inside it looks like a very subtle veil that softens the light and allows views to the outside. A few triangles were eliminated to create openings to see the sky without a filter and as an architectural clue. When the second skin was installed, the interior temperature dropped by 10ºC. The savings in electricity are such that the whole investment will be recovered in less than 5 years. Sustainability and economy go hand in hand. The rock building intends to be part of the landscape. A geometric and tectonic interpretation of nature and territory, and a building that changes colour and brightness with the seasons. In essence, it is an organic building.
Lobby. This is a multi-height trapezoid that integrates three levels of the CAT and the future buildings on its northern side. The Corten steel façade is made out of flat 3 mm panels, perforated with a pattern that is the deconstruction of Liverpool’s logo. There is no glass behind to allow natural ventilation to eliminate air conditioning. The panels and two accesses face east and west. Every morning and every afternoon the lobby is filled with sunrays that paint the interior with moving patterns. Twice a day it becomes a solar observatory. A spiritual space to celebrate the act of working. The faceted triangles in the interior are made of bamboo. A eco-noble material as an act of appreciation to Liverpool´s team. The panels continue on the ceiling, cut by skylights that introduce a soft light. The lobby is reminiscent of a grotto; a blink to the character of the building.
Material Used:
1. Façade 1: perforated Cor-ten steel plates
2. Façade 2: perforated corrugated cor-ten steel sheets
3. Façade frames: Cor-ten steel rods + galvanized steel connectors
4. Main entrances: Alucobond and glass
5. Interior: bamboo panels
6. Skylights: cellular polycarbonate
